Winter Olympics 2026: 'Clear violation of the Olympic spirit' - Olympian BANNED for rest of Milano Cortina Games
Updated 17/02/2026 at 16:37 GMT
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Pierre Crinon has been banned for the rest of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games by the French Ice Hockey Federation after his brawl with Tom Wilson. Fighting is allowed in the National Hockey League, but it is not permitted at the Winter Olympic Games. The French Ice Hockey Federation says their player's behaviour was a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and the values of the sport.
Watch as Canadian player ejected after shocking ice hockey fight
Video credit: TNT Sports
The French Ice Hockey Federation have confirmed that Pierre Crinon will play no further part in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games after his controversial fight with Canada's Tom Wilson.
Crinon and Wilson went head-to-head in a fierce clash during Canada's 10-2 demolition of France on Sunday.
The Frenchman threw a punch and pushed Wilson to the floor after a collision on the ice, but his Canadian rival got up and dragged him onto his back, much to the horror of the match officials.
Fighting is allowed in the National Hockey League, but it is banned at the Winter Olympics, meaning both players were immediately ejected from the ice.
The French Ice Hockey Federation believe that Crinon's behaviour was a clear violation of the Olympic spirit.
"Following the France-Canada game and in light of Pierre Crinon's behaviour, both on and off the ice, Pierre-Yves Gerbeau, President of the French Ice Hockey Federation (FFHG) and Deputy Chef of Mission for the French delegation, met with the player in a meeting attended by Fabien Saguez, Head of Mission for the Olympic delegation, the FFHG's National Technical Director, and the French National Team staff," a team statement read.
"This meeting also served to remind the player of the personal commitments he made upon being selected for the French Olympic Team.
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Tempers RISE as Switzerland and Czechia get into BRAWL
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Regarding the game penalty for which he was sanctioned, the federation acknowledges the decision of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) - the body responsible for ruling on rule violations during the Olympic Games - not to impose any further sanctions on the players involved.
"Nevertheless, the French Ice Hockey Federation (FFHG) wishes to reiterate the values of every player wearing the French national team jersey, as well as their duty to set an example, particularly during the Olympic Games.
"In this regard, Pierre Crinon's provocative behaviour upon leaving the ice, even though he had just been ejected from the game for fighting, constitutes a clear violation of the Olympic spirit and also undermines the values of our sport.
"Therefore, in full agreement with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, the decision has been made not to authorise his participation in the upcoming game(s) of the Olympic tournament.
France will face Germany in the qualification play-offs on Tuesday after a difficult run of results in Group A.
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Their loss against Canada was preceded by a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Switzerland and a 6-3 mauling against Czechia.
They finished bottom of Group A as a result.
In stark contrast, Canada have progressed automatically to the quarter-finals after recording three wins from three in Group A.
They will face the winner of Czechia against Denmark on February 18.
Watch every event of Milano Cortina 2026 live on discovery+. Available across all subscription plans, starting at ÂŁ3.99.
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